Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is classified as Vulnerable because of its very small population, numbering fewer than 1,000 mature individuals. Nonetheless, despite existing on a single small island, its population appears to be stable.
Population justification
In 2009, surveys based on distance sampling broadly estimated the population to number c.1,000 individuals (95% CI 440-2,200 individuals), or approximately 650-700 mature individuals (95% CI 300-1,500; Albar et al. 2010). This is congruent with a crude estimation by Thibault and Guyot (1987) of approximately 1,000 individuals.
Trend justification
Although much forest was destroyed during the period 1917-1964 as a result of phosphate mining, the indigenous vegetation has recovered over the last 40 years and it appears that the mining did not change either the distribution or abundance of the species (Holyoak and Thibault 1984, Seitre and Seitre 1991, Thibault and Cibois 2017). Given that other threats are few, and that the species is tolerant of degraded habitat, the population is presumed to be stable.
Ptilinopus chalcurus is endemic to Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia.
It is found in all wooded habitats as well as dense forest in the south of the island, and is also present near villages (Holyoak and Thibault 1984). It probably takes fruit from a wide variety of trees (Holyoak and Thibault 1984).
Although much forest was destroyed during the period 1917-1964, as a result of phosphate mining, the indigenous vegetation has recovered over the last 40 years and it appears that the mining did not change either the distribution or abundance of the species (Holyoak and Thibault 1984, Seitre and Seitre 1991). There is no hunting or disturbance, given that the human population is low (P. Raust in litt. 1999). Predation by introduced rats (particularly Black Rat Rattus rattus) may be a problem (Seitre and Seitre 1991), although the species has coexisted with rats for several decades (J.-C. Thibault in litt. 2000). Given its small, isolated range in the Pacific, climate change and future storm patterns may pose a threat to this species.
Conservation Actions Underway
Work was carried out in 2009 by Société d’Ornithologie de Polynésie Manu to determine the population size of the species through distance sampling (Albar et al. 2009, 2010).
20 cm. Small, mostly green pigeon with few prominent markings. Dark purple crown and forehead. Pale greenish-grey throat and chest, cloven lower chest feathers producing rows of shadows that appear as streaks. Yellow underparts, tinged orange anteriorly. Wing feathers edged yellow.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Raust, P., Thibault, J.-C. & Kesler, D.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Makatea Fruit-dove Ptilinopus chalcurus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/makatea-fruit-dove-ptilinopus-chalcurus on 26/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 26/12/2024.